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Beautiful period fisherman's cottage

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Exterior
Interior
Dining
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
West Mersea, England
  • Place, Mersea Island Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Colchester Zoo
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Essex
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Colchester

Located within a leisurely stroll of Mersea Island Museum, this cottage is within a few miles (5 km) of Mersea Island Vineyard. The cottage includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in ColchesterOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mersea Island Museum - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Colchester Zoo - 19 min drive - 11.1 miles
  • Colchester Castle Park - 29 min drive - 11.3 miles
  • University of Essex - 32 min drive - 12.3 miles
  • Ipswich Waterfront - 57 min drive - 39.7 miles

Getting around

  • Colchester Town Station - 25 min drive
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Donkey & Buskins - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Plough - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Layer Fox - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Kings Head - ‬46 min drive
  • ‪The Hare and Hounds - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Beautiful period fisherman's cottage

Anchor cottage is a delightful period Grade 2 listed, three-bedroom cottage situated in the heart of The Anchorage, once known as Mersea City. It was built circa 1575, and is the largest of three terraced fishermen's cottages, nestling alongside other period buildings in The Lane, and next to a very small chapel.

It has three bedrooms, a large double, a twin room and a ground floor single bedroom. The bathroom is also on the ground floor.

A large sitting/dining room provides plenty of space for five people indoors and there is also a lovely sheltered patio, with summer house, for alfresco dining.

Please note, being a 'period' property there are some low ceilings, some with beams, some low door heights and the stairs are quite steep too.

There is a private garden with BBQ area that enjoys the sun at most times of the day.

The Lane is a popular local walk with little traffic so lots of peace and quiet.

Being only 150 metres from the water's edge it provides ideal access to the water for paddle-boarding, kayaking, crabbing and swimming. Most of the island's bars and restaurants are situated in the anchorage so it's only a short walk to find food and drink hospitality. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Similar properties

Exterior
Birds Farm
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  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 10 reviews
$147 nightly
The price is $177
Apr 25 - Apr 26
Total with taxes and fees
Birds Farm

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 20

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 20

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Colchester within a short 14-minute walk of Mersea Island Museum. You'll also find Mersea Island Vineyard and Cudmore Grove Country Park within a short drive.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

How far is the airport from this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is London (SEN-Southend), which is about 17.1 mi away. Another top airport is Stansted Airport (STN), which is around 28.3 mi away.

Beautiful period fisherman's cottage Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The cottage has everything yoi need for a comfotable stay as well as lovely outdoor space
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cosy, comfortable and charming cottage in a fabulous location. Lovely welcome and host communication
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Marina S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Ideal family short break

Very well appointed and located - pretty wrap around garden with sun at different times of day- close to jetty where grandsons loved crabbing and yummy unpretentious seafood restaurants.Only reservation for some could be 2 flights of steep stairs to 2 of 3 bedrooms with only bathroom and loo downstairs— but cottage dates from 1575 so don’t expect en-suites! - what you do get is character and comfort.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Long weekend

It was a lovely stay on a bleak February weekend, lovely and warm in the house very comfortable, thoroughly enjoyed it
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hazel V.

Liked: Cleanliness

New year getaway

Perfect cottage everything we could want, warm and cosy . Welcomed with a bottle of bubbly for the occasion .
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

julia C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Mersea Island break

The property is beautiful, comfortable and homely in a great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home from home

Mersea Island is a perfect place for a break away. The quaint, but not so little, cottage is located in the loveliest area and is close to all the great seafood eateries. The homely cottage has been so thoughtfully put together by the owners to provide for your every need, both inside and out. So many little touches make you feel like a most welcome guest. Warning: You will be sad to leave.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

mandy p.

Lovely stay

Cottage is gorgeous.Only issue was wifi was extremely poor.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful house. Perfect location

We immediately felt at home. I’m from Mersea circa 1950s and it’s always been my go to place. Now my family have all passed away I try and find somewhere lovely that I can introduce my grandchildren to the delights of crabbing and shell hunting. This is the first place that absolutely fits the bill. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

The Fisherman's Cottage delightful thou with low ceilings anyone over 6' would struggle standing upright! A great location for the fabulous seafood food restaurants and good pubs. Highly recommend this lovely property
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming and comfortable

The Anchor Cottage is an utterly delightful, comfortable and (perhaps surprisingly given its 16th century heritage) practical place to stay. We were 5 adults together from different places in the world for a small family reunion. We loved cooking together (great kitchen),using the bbq, eating in either the garden or sweet dining room with candlelight and of course watching the Euro 2024 😂. The beds are super comfortable and the family bathroom more than adequate with plenty of hot water. We really appreciated the well equipped laundry room too, having been on the road for some time. Last but not least, the location steps away from the waterfront with all the restaurants, oyster and fish bars and of course the vast expanse of tidal waters, boats and the enormous Constable sky. We would love to come back again some day. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place

i
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Will M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cosy cottage in a good location

Lovely old cottage, furnished well with a nice kitchen having everything you need for eating in (except for a sieve or collander). Clay tiles on ground floor make the floor cold so bring slippers in low season. Some very low beams so tall people beware. Couldn't light the gas fire though. Surprised to find slow-moving bees on window sills or on floor each day when returning from day out.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwina K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent

We really enjoyed our stay. Everything worked and the instructions were clear. We felt at home - some nice personal touches - I won't spoil the surprise....Communication with the owner was really good too. There are some really great seafood places to eat nearby and of course lovely walks along the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Magical place, magical property

This is such a lovely place to stay - really good value, excellently equipped, private with a neat garden (photos don’t do it justice), and good communication with the owner plus a parking spot in a place where this is at a premium. It is also so beautifully quiet. Mersea island is well connected - not far from Constable country, the ancient town of Colchester, the salt marshes of Tollesbury, and the ancient chapel of St Peter on the wall at Bradwell on sea. Plus you can get to Maldon easily and it’s near London. It’s possible to walk all round the island and the shellfish from The Company shed and Dukes was fresh and delicious. The house represents great value and is located in the prettiest part of West Mersea on the prettiest road near the bustling seafront. A magical find in an area bristling with Anglo Saxon and Viking history.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023